Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 22, 2026, as Maritime Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Maritime Day

Assembly Resolution No. 1409

BY: M. of A. Rules (O'Pharrow)

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        May 22, 2026, as Maritime Day in the  State  of  New
        York, in conjunction with the observance of National
        Maritime Day

  WHEREAS,  This  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 22, 2026, as Maritime Day  in  the
State  of  New  York,  in  conjunction  with  the observance of National
Maritime Day; and

  WHEREAS, On May 22, 1819, the steamship, The Savannah, set sail from
Savannah, Georgia, on the first  successful  transoceanic  voyage  under
steam propulsion, thus making a material contribution to the advancement
of oceanic transportation; and

  WHEREAS,  On May 20, 1933, the United States Congress designated May
22nd of each year as National Maritime Day; and

  WHEREAS, During World War II, in what  became  the  world's  largest
sealift  operation,  more  than 250,000 members of the American Merchant
Marines served their  country,  with  over  6,700  losing  their  lives,
hundreds  being  detained  as  prisoners of war, and more than 800 ships
being sunk or damaged; and

  WHEREAS, Waterways have greatly contributed to  expanding  America's
economy, developing cities near waterways and facilitating vast domestic
and international commerce crucial to our economy today; and

  WHEREAS,  Merchant  Mariners  have  served  America with distinction
throughout our history,  especially  at  critical  moments  of  war  and
natural disaster; and

  WHEREAS, The United States Merchant Marines and other workers in our
Nation's  maritime  industry continue to make immeasurable contributions
to our economic strength and ongoing efforts to build  a  more  peaceful
world; and

  WHEREAS,  The  United States Merchant Marines also shepherd the safe
passage of goods, move exports to customers around  the  world,  support
the  flow  of domestic commerce on our maritime highways, strengthen our
Nation's and State's economies, bolster job creation,  and,  along  with
the  transportation  industry,  employ New Yorkers on ships and tugboats
and in ports; and

  WHEREAS, The State of New York wishes to honor the Merchant Mariners
who have served and continue  to  serve  with  distinction,  the  entire
maritime industry, and all those who support them; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That this Legislative Body pauses in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 22, 2026, as  Maritime
Day  in  the  State  of  New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Maritime Day; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.